-
Long time friends, Jan and Jo are the dream team behind Toronto based jewelry line, Meiresthai. We wanted to learn more about them and their collections, and below is the Apostyle Exclusive interview with them.
The name Meiresthai, how is it pronounced and what does it mean?
Pronounced as mee-res-thay the name is of Greek origin and it means one’s reward in life. It’s the perfect word to describe a venture that has given us the gift of expression and creativity.
You are a Design Duo- when did you meet and how did you come about being in business together?
Jo and I met in the seventh grade. We started out just sharing secrets and now we have the pleasure of sharing a business. The start of meiresthai was a bit serendipitous. Jo had, for a couple of years, been asking me to start a jewellery business with her. I kept saying no so she eventually dropped it. Then a year later I decided that I really needed to make a change in my life in order to find some passion again. I was looking for a sign and that very night she called to ask me to start a business with her. I took it as my sign and now the rest is history.
What inspires the designs of your collections?
Everything – and that is the best part of creation. There is so much beauty in this world and some of it can be visually loud and some of it may be very subtle. The inspiration could come from a great work of art or in the simple proportion of a line. We’ve had a collection inspired through a layered mood board and one inspired simply by the materials. It can really come from anywhere, but it culminates in a sense of play. You play with ideas, shapes, materials, textures and sometimes you end up with something completely different from what you had originally intended. We just allow the inspiration to start the journey.
Describe your customer in three words:
Stylish, Feminine, Quietly-loud
When you aren't working on your jewelry line, what can we find you doing?
Jo: working on photography, spending time with good friends, and probably checking my phone.
Jan: reading a book, practicing my sketching, and shamefully binge watching Netflix
What were your aspirations as young girls?
Jo: I wanted to be an artist, but I never really finished a painting because I always wanted perfection! Thankfully, I fell in love with photography and making jewelry, which are my creative outlets!
Jan: Indiana Jones. But that didn’t really work out, so in the end I really just aspired to be a strong, independent woman. It was something that my mother instilled in me and because she served as an amazing role model in my life, I’m proud to say it’s something I have achieved.
Best advice you've received or personal life motto/mantra:
Jo: The best advice I’ve received is from my father: Don’t just dream about things, think about how to make dreams come true.
Jan: The best advice I’ve received is from my mother: “You don’t ask, you don’t get”.
Meiresthai handcrafted jewelry has quickly become an Apostyle favorite. Click here to shop the collection!
-
Apostyle's Exclusive Interview with
the Designer of Lisbeth and
Birds of a Feather, Sophie AldenThe names Lisbeth and Birds of a Feather- where are the names from/why did you decide on them?
Lisbeth is actually my middle name. I always thought it was a pretty and unusual name and it was the first thing that came to mind when I was thinking of a brand name. It felt right because it is personal yet most people don't identify me with it and it seemed to perfectly suit the style of jewelry. For Birds of a Feather, I always loved the saying Birds of a feather flock together and I wanted a name that was total departure from Lisbeth Jewelry.
How did you get into jewelry design?
I have always been creative and loved making things that I could actually use and wear. I got into jewelry design kind of by accident. I was working at a local boutique and we had a hard time finding local jewelry brands that suited the store and I thought 'hey! I could do that.' I was fortunate enough to take a year off to travel and live in another city. I spent all my time making jewelry and taking some courses. When I came home I created my line and first collection and it grew from there.
Who are some of your top fashion icons and why?
Obviously Kate Moss. I love the blend of classic/bohemian/rock n'roll which is totally my aesthetic. Sienna Miller would be another. I also really like Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow for classic elegance.
What styles are you loving right now?
Well I'm loving that the 70's are big for Fall because that is probably my favourite fashion era.
When you aren't working, where would we most likely find you?
Right now at home! I am actually just moving into a new house and have been spending all of my spare time renovating and decorating which is a full-time job but kind of a dream.
For people visiting Vancouver, which 3 places would you suggest they go to?
Only three! That's hard. One of a Few for shopping. Spanish Banks or Canoeing up the Indian Arm for outdoor activities. Dinner and drinks in Gastown/Chinatown. Bao Bei is one of my favs.
What the best advice you've been given? OR What's your personal mantra?
My personal mantra is "be the good you want to see in the world."
-
Here is Apostyle's Exclusive Interview with
Designer, Leah AlexandraWhat is your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?
I love the entrepreneurship aspect of being a designer the best. I can see hard work come into fruition and be in charge of my days and the future of the business!
How do you approach a new collection? Where do your ideas evolve from?
It always starts with the gemstones, they inspire me constantly. I love having them in my hands and playing with different arrangements.
Who is someone you admire?
My mom! Watching her risk giving up a steady job as single mom to start her own business when I was a teenager definitely showed me the possibilities.
What do you see as the hottest jewelry trend at the moment?
Ear climbers! I rotate between the "Sunny" and the "Wings". They're so effortlessly chic. Trendy but still timeless.
Tell us about living in Vancouver and how this has influenced your design and work?
I moved to Vancouver (from Toronto) almost 10 years ago and started my first line of jewellery shortly after. Starting something in a new environment for me definitely gave me a fresh perspective. Being surrounded by the ocean and mountains doesn't hurt either!
What is your favorite piece of jewelry you own and why?
At the moment it's my aquamarine Social bracelet. It's my birthstone and the muted colour goes with whatever other bracelets I pile on with it!
Leah Alexandra designs jewelry the can go with any outfit- from jeans and a t-shirt to a wedding dress. Her pieces are handmade in Vancouver and sold world-wide.
-
The exclusive Apostyle interview with internationally recognized jewelry Designer, Gorjana
The Exclusive Apostyle Interview With Designer, Gorjana
Your Jewelry Line is named after yourself, can you give us some background on yourself and how you started designing your own jewelry line?
I was born in Serbia, Yugoslavia and spent most of my childhood moving around. We moved from Europe to Canada then Arizona and after graduating College I moved to Southern California. I grew up a true DIY maven and used to knit sweaters for my Barbie dolls. Jewelry is something I really just sort of fell into and quickly realized it was my chosen medium for creating. When I first started I made all the pieces myself but as the business quickly grew I realized that I could not keep up. Now 11 years later it has grown to an amazing place.
How did you select the materials you used?
We mainly work with metal but have recently started to incorporate gemstones back into the collection. I truly believe that different stones have specific energy properties and it has been great to incorporate that in to the collection.
How do you approach a new collection? Where do your ideas evolve from?
I get inspired from different things all the time. It could be a cool shape I see or I will look at something I want to wear and come up with the perfect jewelry piece to complete the look.
When you design pieces, are you designing for yourself or for a target customer?
Neither, I actually just look at the piece and try to create something that is beautiful. That will make anyone young or old feel more beautiful when they wear it. We are unique as a brand in that our customers range from my young neice to my grandmother. There is something in the collection for everyone because I like to think of the jewelry as pieces of art.
What new jewelry trends do you see coming up?
A trend I see coming up is more in the way people dress. I feel that customers these days want to accentuatle their individuality and be able to create their own looks. Because our pieces are so delicate and layerable, it really allows the customer to make it their own.
What is your favorite piece of jewelry you own and why?
The Taner bar necklace because I don’t have to take it off and it goes with everything.
The most valuable lesson you have learned?
Be patient and take your time to do it right.
Gorjana designs jewelry that is made for layering and that the wearer doesn't ever want to take off.
Click here to see Apostyle's collection of beautiful gorjana jewelry.
-
The Exclusive interview with Vancouver Jewelry Designer, Hailey Gerrits. Using vintage, recycled and repurposed materials.
The Apostyle Exclusive Interview
with Designer, Hailey Gerrits
Why/how did you decide to become a jewelry designer?Long before it was my career, jewelry and design were always passions of mine. My first job was in a jewelry supply store where I learned much of what I know today about semi-precious stones and jewelry supplies. It turned into a creative outlet for me, and collecting supplies has become a bit of an addiction.How do you select the materials you use?
I work almost exclusively with vintage, recycled metal products. Almost all of the chain or metal products used in my jewelry is what is referred to as 'deadstock' - it would have been produced, anywhere between 1880-today with the purpose of being assembled into jewelry. For whatever reason, it was left unused. I dig through old warehouses to find these very special items and assemble them into new, modern pieces. To add color and texture, I like to combine found objects with semi-precious stones. I usually select stones based on their properties and what I want my customer to feel - whether it be an increased self-confidence, ability to communicate more freely, or clarity of mind, I try to use stones that possess qualities I admire.
What, or who, inspires your work?
I'm mostly inspired by my materials. When my desk is covered with 100 year old chains and beautiful, hand-cut stones, it's not hard to feel inspired.Describe your customer in three words.
Bold. Fun. Unique.What do you love to do when you're not working?
I'm a crossword puzzle geek. My Saturday morning tradition is the Globe and Mail weekend crossword and brunch, by myself. I spend a lot of time with friends and exploring the city (Vancouver). I love eating out and trying new restaurants, cafes, breweries. Right now, I'm also addicted to the Mindy Project.
What are your plans for upcoming collections?
I always try not to think too far ahead. I just finished my Fall 2015 collection that will be released in September. I wanted it to be a little bit of a "throwback" collection to my earlier style. I've been so inspired by color lately, and each of my recent collections have been very eclectic and bright. I wanted to go back to the basics a little bit and create pieces that you can wear with anything. It is a more subdued, simple color palette and there are more "everyday" styles that I think will be well-worn.If you had to wear one piece of jewelry for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would have to be something sentimental. I'm sure I'm supposed to say one of my own pieces, but I think it would be my heirloom Star Ruby ring from my grandmother.
